How To Disable the Automatic Restart on System Failure in Windows XP, Vista and 7

Windows XP is programmed by default to restart immediately after a major error, like one that causes a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). This reboot happens too fast to record the error message for use in troubleshooting.

Follow these easy steps to disable the automatic restart feature for system failures in Windows XP.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Disabling the Automatic Restart option in Windows XP usually takes less than 10 minutes

Here's How:

1.      Navigate to the Control Panel in Windows XP by left-clicking on Start, followed by Settings and then choosing Control Panel.

2.      In the Control Panel window, open System.

Note: In Microsoft Windows XP, depending on how your operating system is setup, you may not see the System icon. To correct this, click on the link on the left-hand side of the Control Panelwindow that says Switch to Classic View.

3.      In the System Properties window, click on theAdvanced tab.

4.      Locate the Startup and Recovery area and click on the Settings button.

5.      In the Startup and Recovery window, locate and uncheck the check box next toAutomatically restart.

6.      Click OK in the Startup and Recovery window.

7.      Click OK in the System Properties window.

8.      From now on, when a problem causes a BSOD or another major error that halts the system, the PC will not automatically reboot. Rebooting manually will be necessary.

Tips:

1.      Not a Windows XP user? See How Do I Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure in Windows? for specific instructions for your version of Windows.

How To Disable the Automatic Restart on System Failure in Windows Vista

Windows Vista is setup by default to restart immediately after aBlue Screen of Death (BSOD) or other major system problem. This reboot usually happens too fast to see the error message on screen.

Follow these easy steps to disable the automatic restart feature for system failures in Windows Vista.

Important: Unable to boot completely into Windows Vista due to a BSOD? See Tip #2 at the bottom of the page for help.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required:Disabling the Automatic Restart option in Windows Vista usually takes less than 10 minutes

Here's How:

1.      Click on Start and then Control Panel.

Tip: In a hurry? Type system in the search box after clicking Start. Choose System from the list of results and then skip to Step 4.

2.      Click on the System and Maintenance link.

Note: If you're viewing the Classic View of Control Panel, you won't see this link. Simply double-click on the System icon and proceed to Step 4.

3.      Click on the System link.

4.      In the task pane on the left, click the Advanced system settings link.

5.      Locate the Startup and Recovery area and click on the Settings button.

6.      In the Startup and Recovery window, locate and uncheck the check box next toAutomatically restart.

7.      Click OK in the Startup and Recovery window.

8.      Click OK in the System Properties window.

9.      You can now close the System window.

10.  From now on, when a problem causes a BSOD or another major error that halts the system, the PC will not automatically reboot. Rebooting manually will be necessary.

Tips:

1.      Not a Windows Vista user? See How Do I Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure in Windows? for specific instructions for your version of Windows.

2.      If you're unable to fully start Windows Vista due to a Blue Screen of Death error, you won't be able to disable the automatic restart on system failure option as described in the steps above.

How To Disable the Automatic Restart on System Failure in Windows 7

Windows 7 is configured by default to restart immediately after aBlue Screen of Death (BSOD) or other major system problem. This reboot usually happens too fast to see the error message on screen.

Follow these simple steps to disable the automatic restart feature for system failures in Windows 7.

Important: Unable to boot completely into Windows 7 due to the BSOD? See Tip #2 at the bottom of this page for help.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required:Disabling the Automatic Restart option in Windows 7 usually takes less than 10 minutes

Here's How:

1.      Click on the Start button and then on Control Panel.

Tip: In a hurry? Type system in the search box after clicking Start. Choose System under theControl Panel heading in the list of results and then skip to Step 4.

2.      Click on the System and Security link.

Note: If you're viewing the Small icons or Large icons view of Control Panel, you won't see this link. Simply double-click on the System icon and proceed to Step 4.

3.      Click on the System link.

4.      In the task pane on the left, click the Advanced system settings link.

5.      Locate the Startup and Recovery section near the bottom of the window and click on the Settings button.

6.      In the Startup and Recovery window, locate and uncheck the check box next toAutomatically restart.

7.      Click OK in the Startup and Recovery window.

8.      Click OK in the System Properties window.

9.      You can now close the System window.

10.  From now on, when a problem causes a BSOD or another major error that halts the system, Windows 7 will not force a reboot. You'll have to reboot manually when an error appears.

Tips:

1.      Not a Windows 7 user? See How Do I Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure in Windows? for specific instructions for your version of Windows.

2.      If you're unable to successfully start Windows 7 due to a Blue Screen of Death, you won't be able to disable the automatic restart on system failure option as described above.